South Fork - Wolf Creek Summit - Pagosa Spring Colorado US 160

[@oxtuckian]

Beautiful drive, love Colorado! 🎶 Wolf Creek Pass, way up on the Great Divide, Truckin' on downnn the other side. 😃

[@GaryPClark]

On the east side of Cortez, honk at my brother if you see his Blue Goose pipe truck on the north side of the road as you enter town. True enough, 160 is a treat.

[@Tatiacha]

Wow Pagosa just a drive through to stay in Cortez! Pagosa and Durango are the destinations! I lived in Pagosa 10 years you could literally spend a whole summer exploring only the Pagosa/Durango area and not see it all. To not camp out in the NF there is a crime.

[@katrinawilson9362]

Agree

[@nancystripling3402]

Prettiest part of Colorado!! The drive is wonderful!!

[@msr1116]

John Denver and his wife put down roots in Colorado when they realized how truly terrific it was there. Not just a touristy seasonal destination or a pass through state on the way to Cali.

[@fredharvey2720]

Aspen is touristy as f.

[@quietcomet22]

Beautiful! When I was in that area in May there was a blizzard! Missed seeing Mesa Verde, and a few other stops. I'll be back! ....😃

[@judyabernathy80]

I’ll be leaving September 14th to go to South Fork to camp for two weeks. I really enjoy South Fork, Pagosa Springs and Creede. Beautiful Colorado.

[@russellkeeling4387]

My friend works for CDOT and plows snow in the winter working out of Creede. If you're camping around there be careful of the moose. There are quite a few there these days and they can be pretty aggressive. He sees them a lot while he's working and they don't seem to have any fear of humans.

[@judyabernathy80]

@@russellkeeling4387 - thanks for the heads up, but I won’t be going to CO anymore. Can’t breathe, unfortunately. I love CO. But, a bit of old age things have come upon me, and I have to be very selective of where I can go. Good luck to your husband working out there in that beautiful country. I know moose can be very aggressive. Blessings.

[@laytonhaese7888]

Thanks for keeping the video going during the rain ... I love the rain! Paul... CW McCall... Wolf Creek Pass, way up on the Great Divide, Truckin on down the other side... Great Song Wasn't it?

[@garyhanson4133]

I spent many a weekend up there. I love the whole west side of Colorado.

[@bacino2552]

Just discovered your videos within the hour, these look great on my TV! I'm disabled & enjoy going along for the ride, wish I'd traveled more when I was able. Beautiful seeing Colorado & Dakota's & Crazy Horse.

[@brucefolger2351]

A daily commute those years working Ski Area. Thanks for the summer view.

[@timwayne3159]

I don't know why, but I find your videos and the way you narrate them so relaxing. Awsome.

[@davidhopkins6312]

Well,525 miles from home.Incredible journey.There is no doubt Russ you enjoyed this trip as much as all of us enjoyed following along.THANKS

[@codename495]

I remember driving this so often growing up!

[@martygriffith5528]

Next time you’re in the area of Durango, take the road from Durango to Ouray. Talk about hairpin turns!

[@hopet2552]

This mountain pass was my first introduction to Colorado when I moved here. It was raining and boulders were falling all around my car. It was defiantly beautiful but scary for sure.

[@mojavedesert519]

Wolf Creek Pass--the inspiration for C. W. McCall's song.

[@nacole93]

My town!!! Thanks for the share

[@DrJohn493]

First time over Wolf Creek Pass was in 1968 when I was 15, with my folks on our first western car camping trip, towing a small canvas pop-up camper. For a flatlander from the southeast what a trip that was. Been over the pass many times in recent years and it's always impressive views. I've been all over Colorado in the past 15 years but the Durango/Silverton/Pagosa Springs/Salida and Buena Vista/Leadville areas remain my favorites I keep returning to. Some great memories in this video series.

[@BillGorman]

I was boondocked about 3 miles past the tunnel at Tucker Ponds when you went by.

[@katrinawilson9362]

I add ticket pond campground to my maps. Thanks for camping info.

[@leann4925]

Oh my heavens I loved this and going through the tunnels. Russ this was awesome and thank you so much. I so enjoyed this and the drone shot wow. Safe travels.

[@amirshake1108]

Russ, thank you for taking all us through HairPin turn safely. Ha! Ha!

[@trudypedersen-french3593]

You're in my back yard. Thanks.😊

[@susanstrickland6774]

Beautiful, beautiful drive. Darn rain, I was loving that drone footage. Very cute town. TY, enjoyed. 😊👍

[@ep61611]

Inspired by WC McCall's song, I took Wolf Creek Pass about 15 years ago - before they had a barrier at the hairpin curve. Driving a 1-ton flatbed with a huge Caterpillar transmission on the back, I hit the curve and was standing on the brakes to slow down when I felt the left front and back wheels raise up off the ground. That was the first and last time I took that route.

[@lindamoses3697]

The only traveling I get done is with you! Thanks for the ride!

[@richardbohlingsr3490]

New hwy for me, never been to Wolf Creek Pass. Nice country to ride through. Happy trails.

[@ghtcastagne]

Thanks for sharing, enjoy you videos, take care !

[@terriecotham1567]

Just thank 150 years ago it was by foot, horse or wagon one has to wonder what travel will be like 150 years from now bact to the house or self driving cars or low flying aircraft computer control . Nice video thanks

[@Cinderdiane]

Spent a whole month of vacation in Pagosa Springs. Nice to see that drive again! I would live in Colorado if I could.? Thanks, Russ.

[@Tom-jn7id]

Just came back from a vacation at south fork and I miss it already

[@jesscarey7666]

Awesome video Russ!! Hope all is well sir!!

[@OriginalBoringSpaceCadet]

I just started following your journey after viewing your trip through Roundup MT. I like your style and commentary. Thanks for the entertainment and enlightenment you continue to provide.

[@susiesmith6174]

Finally I get to see where my son's car broke down March of '18, during a blizzard, just on the other side of those "s" curves!!! Gorgeous place!!! We plan on visiting Pagosa Springs here soon, can't wait!!! Greetings from Flora Vista, NM!!! Safe travels!!!

[@ettaplace6716]

One of my favorite areas - thank you so much🏔

[@davidsean1762]

Love it! Thanks for the tour!

[@et375]

To bad you did not have time to stop in Durango and take the narrow gage train up to Silverton,That is a great ride along the steep passes .

[@msr1116]

That's one train trip I'd love to take if I'm ever out Colorado way again, but the cost was a steep $83 last time I looked.

[@bruceoldham1896]

Great series, Russ, and thanks! You really should make the trip to Royal Gorge Bridge someday and ride the Durango/Silverton Railroad for a wonderful adventure.

[@donotneed2250]

One of the things I enjoyed about driving for a living was going down two-lane roads. You can see so much more than you can on the interstate highway or flying.

[@40belowful]

I remember the days when they had signs telling the grade percent on highway

[@56fordthunderbird]

thanks for taking us along

[@sukarichristian9039]

Thanks for ptoviding me this way to travel our great United States of America. It Your videos are super educational.

[@buckreynolds1779]

I was in Del Norte, and Durango last week Uncle Roscoe !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks for video and be safe sir

[@abelhoraciocarpinelli119]

Muy buenos tus videos..hermosos paisajes, te sigo desde Buenos Aires-Argentina..

[@lamfam8580]

Thanks for sharing, I love road trip.

[@BobtheTraveler-WD8NVN]

I was at Pogosa Springs ,Co just last April, heading east rather.... U S 160 one of America greatt Highways !

[@2Bonita08]

I'm in Alamosa CO right now about 50 mi from s.fork. beautiful.

[@Hiljack67]

What a beautiful state !

[@dkneuer]

Loved you video very much. Noticed the water tank (Rail Road) on the right in Del Norte. Been to Durango twice,rode the train . The drive up US 550 is fantastic. Lots of scenery and you can find plenty of railroad history there. Have not been to Colorado since 92, I can see by your videos a lot has changed.

[@davidglaum2538]

That road has changed a lot sense I was on it back in the 70s. It was two lanes not very wide not much guardrails. It was dangerous to say the least.

[@terriecotham1567]

at times like fine wine or wisk things can get better

[@alive-awake]

Nice video. I took that very trek in July in my 22 ft motorhome. Beautiful drive! It had been a long time since I had taken hwy 491 south from Cortez. I too live in AZ. That road is really bumpy. I hope you have good shocks. Enjoy!

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Enjoying your videos Russ.I live in Australia so may never see these parts.I think I'm addicted to your videos.lol .Hopefully when you get home , you'll do some more travelling. How about the area where you live?

[@johnbrownlee7623]

Thank you Sir....Good job..................

[@lylebarnard7447]

This drive reminds me of the rim country in northern Arizona

[@rogertinant5464]

oh thanks for the sticker

[@terrenceking5855]

I went the opposite direction on Aug 16. What a drive!!!

[@neeterb5584]

Hello. This is the first video of yours that I've watched. I grew up in Del Norte so this is like going home for me. The "large RV park" going up the pass is Fun Valley. Established in 1959, it's a resort more than a just an RV park, reservation only. You wondered about the road next to the tunnel. That's the old road. The tunnel was built in the 90s and my mother never understood why they needed to build it. The snow sheds farther up were built in the 1960s. When they were built, ice inside the sheds was a problem. People reported meeting cars that were sliding. The area near the top is the Wolf Creek ski area. Many times Wolf Creek will have the deepest snow base but doesn't get the publicity the ski areas west of Denver get. Also, there are no places to stay at the ski area, people have to drive up from the San Luis Valley or Pagosa. Regarding the hairpin turn, lots of trucks lost their brakes and literally went straight instead of around the corner. In the 50s and 60s you could park and look over the edge to see truck wreckage. The highway department made a parking area off to the right but it looked like it was closed when you went around the corner. The view from the overlook is very impressive. Thank you for taking me "home". Safe travels.

[@guymanges3628]

Thanks Russ.

[@SAHamel_]

beautiful video, thank you I enjoyed it

[@janeforever]

Beautiful scenery. CO is my bucket list go to place. Would be nice if you included the name of the place you stay at in Cortez, even if you boondock...

[@TheVintageBumbleBee]

It's 11pm, I'm here for you to put me to sleep with that voice of yours. I'll watch tomorrow. G'night!

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

🙋Hello Russ! Truely have enjoyed this beautiful scenery in Colorado. Those tunnels were neat! I'd never seen one with windows in it, 'til ẃe passed through one today.

[@gavanhillebold3131]

Closing in on 4 corners won’t be long now at you’ll be home, time for an oil change ? Thanks for sharing

[@kathyw2465]

Ride the Durango-Silverton RR in the fall, BEAUTIFUL aspens all aglow🏔🏔🏔🍂🍂🍂

[@katrinawilson9362]

Yes, it is awesome. I have ridden the train over the years several times and in different seasons. Even the winter. What a wonderland. A must do for sure. I love the open car, if they still have it.

[@rogerhart684]

Wolf Creek ski resort gets close to 150" of snow a year

[@TheBmsgolf]

That is their average base. They actually average 480" of snow a year.

[@nodttiurp]

Please more of your videos and commentary(!) going over Colorado passes.

[@stuartroland9605]

Hello Russ ,what a great run down to Cortez . It was to bad the rain shortens the drone video good stuff . See you on the next one . 👍👍😊😊✌

[@russellkeeling4387]

My cousin and her husband were traveling over Wolf Creek Pass last winter and came upon a car stranded on the side of the road. They stopped to help. The man asked if he could get a ride to pick up some gasoline for a generator he had in his car. His car was an ev but due to the cold weather he got stranded in the San Luis Valley and the battery wouldn't hold enough charge to get him out of the valley. He had purchased a generator so he could stop every once in a while to charge the battery and make it a few more miles. He under- estimated how much he would have to use the generator. He told my cousin the battery in the car would only take them 34 miles after a full charge. Yeah, go ev!

[@jameslyons1624]

Beautiful buddy beautiful

[@rustybrown1835]

I've been up an down Wolf Creek Pass a few times in a 18 wheeler when it was still mainly two lane road.

[@terriecotham1567]

Some times its hard to thank what those truckers had to deal with in the 30,40,50,60 and 70's before lots of roads were made safer , all were two lane and driving at times had to be hell on the body not to mention the Nevers, No AC in the summer, no automatic transmissions, it must have been a real job as they say

[@rustybrown1835]

@@terriecotham1567 the East side of wolf Creek was two lane up into the late 90's an early 2000's, there are still a few two lane highway's driver's have to navigate today. Back in the days you spoke of trucks were not quiet that long.

[@vickyrichardson4699]

Hello there! I’m a recent subscriber to your channel and I absolutely love it! I live in a skilled nursing facility and I don’t get out much. So I look forward to seeing your videos everyday. Many of the places you’ve been through reminds me of places I have visited here in California before I became disabled. I was wondering have you ever been to Northfork,California? It’s a great place! Safe travels!

[@rvertv]

Hi Vicky, i have not been thru Northfork Ca. That is a beautiful area for sure. Thanks for watching - Russ

[@66block84]

Went East on Highway 160 at the end of last February pulling my Scamp 16 footer. Was wishing I had a truck with a V-8 engine. But I made it OK.

[@ftkinsella]

That’s some beautiful country you drove through there Russ. I wanna see you fly the drone through one of those tunnels. Hahahahaha that would be crazy. Cheers!!!

[@chrisr6157]

Hi Russ! I really enjoyed this drive! The tunnels were very cool and the hairpin turn was exciting! Did you have any trouble breathing or catching your breath when you were on top of the mountain? I really enjoy your videos! Safe travels.

[@jeffcarr755]

Totally missed the ski area, drove right by it!!

[@peggymccurdy1941]

They had a lot of snow tunnels in Switzerland.

[@missouritravelers]

I love the mountains planning a trip soon

[@offthetrail5985]

Wolf Creek. Durango. Pagosa. Mesa verde. All nice places to visit. Bring a trout rig with you if you like fishing also

[@paulkersey2179]

You passed one of the nicest RV parks in Bayfield Co. between Pagosa and Durango. Are you headed to Q? Its 117 today, but tis still dry!

[@papatutti59]

I was driving the same route you were but in the other direction. You should have stopped in Durango. It's a beautiful town. If anyone ever goes there, take the train ride up to Silverton. OMG! It's a beautiful old steam train ride along the river and bridges.

[@dewboy910]

I don't think South Fork is NOT the Southwest end of Colorado. Nice scenery.

[@k5at]

I remember going over Wolf Creek Pass in the late 50's. Most of the road was single lane (unpaved). There were turn outs for opposite direction to pass. Just about the hairpin turn, you could look down and see old cars (Mostly 30's and 40's) that had gone over the side. I was a young lad, and scared to death!

[@tennesseenana4838]

The next time you're in Colorado you have to check out the Rocky Mountain National Park!

[@kong3]

Ha ha.. wait until you climb from the Pagosa Side. I live Pagosa, double tow with a 5th wheel and 2 sxs cars.

[@kong3]

You could spend a couple of years exploring this area easily. We live here.

[@TimIrvin]

The San Juans of the Weminuche. It's been our annual getaway for some time.

[@JP-lm3ru]

😎Love home❤ God bless Jesus is God and Lord over all!!

[@vanemoza2674]

I got dizzy at the hair pin turn lol

[@comradejakobe1564]

No! I dont want this trip to be over yet

[@markwood1097]

always enjoy your trips something in all of them. figured it was 10k plus elevation pass NEW1 4 me never went that way, Co. got to be one of the nicest to travel! got friends in Durango too. lots of reasons to go back soon as I'm able.. mean while i live thru your travels Russ glad you make all the turns safely & return home & share w us all.!

[@petepeterson4540]

more beautiful than the desert

[@InfamousElGuapo]

Thank you for this video. I'm considering an alternate route from I-70 traveling from South Dakota back to Southern California. Seems like a pretty straight forward trip, even with that hair pin turn, which seems plenty wide. Would you see any issues with a 38' 5th aside from steep grades (ie. road is too narrow or turns too tight). Thanks you!

[@tagsdaddy]

Pretty cool 👍😎👍

[@stankeebler6696]

My parents drove Wolf Creek when it was dirt.. My mother was always scared of passes...

[@sandratessem9980]

HI Russ!! Hey!!! John Wayne country.

[@carl2591]

I did catch one of the signs after cresting the top that was saying 7% grade for 7 miles.. WOW.. so you would think it the same coming up.. 7% is like on I70 coming up from silverthorn heading up to go through the Ike Tunnel, (continental divide ) with a bit of 8% right before the tunnel entrance.

[@brucesmith9144]

There is a sign for the continental divide at the summit of Wolf Creek Pass and it was unfortunately blocked from your view where you stopped. So one of those raindrops go to the Gulf of Mexico and other to the Pacific Ocean.

[@amyrose103]

My birth place Cortez Colorado Yay!!

[@paulisaacs2556]

no one said any thing about. the song wolf creek passway on the great divide.

[@gmaneis]

I was just about to mention it, but good for you for beating me to it! Great stuff by C.W.!

[@tazmod7272]

I think I finally caught up with you. Lol